A Route Through the City, S.F. Crosstown Trail Opens

The new San Francisco Crosstown Trail has opened, connecting the city’s many parks and open spaces into a 17-mile walking and biking route, reports Carl Nolte. "The Crosstown Trail runs from the Candlestick Point State Recreation Area near the old ballpark site diagonally across the city to Lands End on the edge of the Pacific Ocean."

Nolte traveled along the trail recently and describes the diversity of terrains, including urban woods, trails, parks, and city streets. He says the Visitacion Valley Greenway part of the trail was a labor of love that came about over 20 years through grants and the work of volunteers. "[The volunteers] talked about how a series of overgrown vacant lots full of weeds, trash and stray dogs was transformed into an urban garden through the heart of a neighborhood."

Although the Crosstown Trail is officially open, not all the paths are marked, says Nolte. Visitors can navigate the route using downloadable maps.